Changing the game permanently…

The explosion you heard on election night was the demographic bomb that just went off and delivered President Obama a historic victory. The fundamental nature of our body politic has profoundly changed. Anglo male voters no longer dominate the electoral process, and coalitions will now be required to win.

The emergence of Latino voters in the electoral cycle was for many in Texas a long time coming. For years, we have heard it was only a matter of time that Latinos emerge as a political force. This election–they were the only demographic group to increase its turnout from 2008.

This election redefined what is needed to be successful in a national campaign. The share of the Anglo vote fell to its smallest level–72% of the electorate, with minority voters filling the void. This continues a trend that demographers have spoken of for years–the diversification of America.

How profound was this change? Consider this fact–In 1984, Ronald Reagan was elected President–winning 49 states. If we took the share of vote he received among various groups in in 1984, and projected them onto this electorate in 2012–Reagan would have won 40 states.

The net result is that the GOP needs a fundamental change in its direction. They are on the wrong side of history on issue ranging from gay rights, immigration reform, and reproductive rights. Their only hope is to reach out and cobble a new electoral coalition.